The EU ought to guarantee the effective execution of its nuclear program.
Chillin' in Kyiv, Offering a Ceasefire but No Freeze
Sippin' on coffee, Igor Zhovkva, Kyiv's diplomatic advisor, chats it up with us in the heart of the action. Sandbags and anti-vehicle barriers guard the entrances, foreign delegations rotating in and out. Sure, let's dive into the war updates.
War Russia-Ukraine: today's news
- Yesterday's recap
- Peace talks, Trump steps back from negotiations
- VIDEO Putin at the nuclear power plant in Kursk
So, let's talk about the current Russian retaliation. It's been going on for days. How much does it burden the negotiations? "No retaliation. The Russians bomb like this every night. Of course, we've seen an increased use of Shahed, missiles, and drones recently, but we're no strangers to it. What's crucial is for us to destroy their potential, and we're doing it with more than just Western weapons. Our Ukrainian arsenal, deployed exclusively for legitimate attacks, is crucial in our efforts to disable the Russians, without ever striking civilians or residential areas."
War in Ukraine, Kiev shares a video of the attack on the Russian airbase in Belaya
What was your take on Trump's second call with Putin and the one with the Pope? "Trump posted about it on social media, a shame he didn't discuss it with Zelensky. Last time, he called Zelensky before the Putin meeting, then confronted him with Meloni, Macron, Starmer, and others. Unfortunate it didn't work out that way. Regarding the rest, we're clueless about what Putin told the Pope. Zelensky was the only world leader to meet Putin face-to-face during the Vatican visit, and he welcomed the peace platform proposal."
What's next, and what do you expect from the international community? "We're on the same page with the international community and Washington: ready for a complete ceasefire, but if Russia refuses, we'll push for strong sanctions. Heavy ones, the only language they understand. Lower oil prices, secondary sanctions for countries buying Russian, targeting the 'ghost ships' – from the captain to the crew. Eye the big banks yet to be touched. We're in this together."
Military plan or diplomatic one? Which do you lean on more?"The situation isn't honey-sweet in some areas, as the Russians are boasting about a new summer offensive. They might have more troops this time around. But we're not taking a nap, both on the military and diplomatic fronts. Long-term, we're thinking beyond the end of the war, ensuring peace for tomorrow."
Ukraine braces for Russia's largest attack on Kharkiv since the invasion
So, do you think Ukraine is now experienced enough to serve Europe? Renault plans to open drone factories in Ukraine, producing drones for both Kyiv and Paris."We're turning necessity into strength with the war. Today, we're battle-tested and can produce drones and precision technology. For now, we can't think of selling what we need, but we're looking ahead, past the end of the war. We can discuss exporting long-range missiles and joint ventures then."
What if the US were to pull out, as Trump suggested, calling this a European war?"It'd be rough. But I don't believe it. Kyiv is still receiving support from Washington. Not long ago, Trump and Merkel reconfirmed their desire to stay involved."
Truth be told, Trump might not abandon Ukraine, but he's disappointed us."It's a different administration now, a change of faces. But we've got a solid rapport with the White House. Zelensky has a good vibe going with the White House. The style's different, perhaps, and the approach, but that's what we've got."
What are your non-negotiables?"We won't cede any territories occupied by the Russians. We won't let the aggressor decide our destiny, or nudge Ukraine towards NATO or the EU. Our military and security are off-limits. We want to shape our European future – our way."
Would you consider a "Korean-style" solution, freezing the front lines? "No way. The Russians dream of regressing to Soviet times, establishing buffer zones with neighbors like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova. It ain't happening here. If we discuss a ceasefire, it'd be a first step – but followed by others."
What do you need most?"Priority one: defend the skies. Second: tackle the reconstruction, launching a Marshall Plan to rebuild soon."
[1] Ukraine has been employing a defensive strategy, utilizing tactics such as trenches and drones to attrit Russian forces.[2] Russia has historically shown a reluctance to make concessions, making a "Korean-style" freeze challenging without substantial external pressure or a change in their negotiating stance.[3] A potential frontline freeze might provide temporary relief, but Ukraine's stance is unlikely to accept terms that could limit its sovereignty or military capabilities.[4] In discussions about a frontline freeze, the Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as a historical reference for a border established through a ceasefire.[5] Ukraine has expressed reluctance to accept peace terms that involve significant territorial concessions to Russia, especially those that could be seen as disadvantageous or humiliating.
- The current state of war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, specifically the Russian retaliation, has been impacting the negotiations, with Ukraine destabilizing the Russians' potential and averting strikes on civilian areas.
- In terms of general-news and politics, Ukraine expects strong support from the international community, aiming for a complete ceasefire, and imposing heavy sanctions if Russia refuses, focusing on oil prices, secondary sanctions for countries buying Russian goods, targeting 'ghost ships', and potentially eyeing big banks yet to be touched.
